Signaling system.



G. E. BEACH. SIGNALING SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED APR. 9, 1912.

Patented J an. 13, 1914.

j W QM M UNITED STAQEJATENT OFFICE!- CLARENCE E. BEACH, 0 EINGHAMTOENEWYOEK; ASSIGNOR TO GEORGE oQxiv a on NEW YORK; N. Y.

lire,

SIGNALING- SYSTEM.

Specification oi Detters' Patent.

' Patented Jan. 13,1914.

Application filed April 9, 19123- Serial No. 689,549..-

The circuit controllingmechanisms may bein the form of fire alarm boxes or of simpler construction, such as ordinary make and break mechanisms, or simple switches such as ush buttons could be used. I

' ne of the'importan't objects of my invention is to provide asignaling circuit which can be connected with any available source .of electrical energy capable of 'supplying a relatively small current flow constantly or at frequent intervals, such as an electric light or power-circuit, primary batteries, or any other suitable source, and in which circuit individual storage batteries are provided for supplying a comparatively large current flow for controlling the operation of alarm mechanisms whenever the signaling circuit is interrupted; these storage batteries being'included serially inthe signaling circuit when the main source of current is operative, so as to be'kept fully charged and in most fit condition to assume control of the associated alarmmechani'sms should the main source become disconnected from the system.

Another important object of the invention is to include the windings of the various electromagnetic local alarm controlling mechanism serially in circuit with the main source and the local storage batteries and toprovide circuit adjusting mechanisms to so adj ust the circuit conditions that when .tl'ie'circuit is closed, the current flow from the main's'ource through the local electromagnct windings and storage batteries will he of the proper, "value to most efficiently hold the local electro-magnet mechanisms in attracted position and to efliciently charge the local storage batteries; to provide circuit adjusting mechanisms and circuit controlling mechanisms in connection with the main source so that the main source will be automatically connected with the signaling circuit only when the pressure and current flow conditions of the main source are suiticient to keep the local electro-magnet dcviccs efficiently attracted and to efficiently overcome the combined electro-motivc forces of the local batteries to efliciently charge the same; to provide a shuntpath for maintaining closure of the signaling circuit independently of the main source when such source is disconnected from service, and to provide such shunt path with resistance mechanisms so that when the main source 1s disconnected substantially the same circuit conditions will be maintained through the signaling mechanisms as when the mam source was connected, the local storage batteries'then operating to supply the current flow for the signaling circuits to maintain attracted position of the various electro-magnet devices; and, in general, to provide a system of this class which is of simple.arrangement, which is automatic in itsopcration and which does not require constant supervision.

In the accompanying drawing, I have dia grammatically illustrated a system incorpoating all the variousfeatures of my invention.

The main line leads a and b may connect with any main'source of current S which may be a dynamo or motor-generator or any kind of battery, or these leads may connect directly with a public supply circuit. Bridged across the leads a and I) is a circuit 0 including the winding of an electro-maguctic device E. the armature f of this device being retracted byv a spring g and. when attracted, being brought into engagement with the conductor it connected with the lead 6. The signaling circuit C in cludes any number of local signaling menu anisms. Any number of circuit controlling devices i may be included serially in the ciruit and-these devices could he in the form of regular fire alarm boxes or could be of any construction which will enable the circuit to be opened and closed. The circuit C may also serially include the windings of any number of local electro-magnetic de vices L, and local storage batteries B,- each associated with one of the electro-magnetic devices. The armature i of each electromagnetic device connects with one pole of the associated storage battery and the contact Z". 'for the armature connects th ough conductor Z with the opposite pole of the associated battery and this conductor 1 may "include any alarm sounding device. At station No. 1, this alarm sounding deviceis in the form of a horn, while at station No. 2 the alarm device is shown in the form of a striker gong. and at station No. 3 the alarm device is shown in the form of a vibrating bell.

With the above arrangement ifthe source of current is in operative connection with the leads a. and Z), and the armature f of the electro-magnetic device E is attracted, current will flow serially through the circuit C and through the windings of the local electro-magnet devices L and the local storage batteries. The local. storage batteries are cumulatively arranged in the circuit C and the electro-motive force of the source S is such as to overcome the resistance of the circuit'C and the combined electro-motive force of all the storage batteries so that enough current will fiow' through the batteries to efficiently chargethem, and at the same time to efliciently hold the local electro-magnet devices in attracted position. It is desirable that the main source shall not become connected with the circuit C until it will have sufficient strength to properly control the circuit. For this purpose the resistance of the circuit 0 is such that the electro-magnetic device E will not become attracted until the main source is of suiiicient strength to properly assume control, and it the resistance of the winding of the electromagnetic device E is not sufficient. an additional. resistance r may be included in the circuit (2. Now when the source S becomes of sutficient strength the armature f will be attracted and the circuit C will be ermnected with the source and will receive current flow therefrom and the of the relatioi'i to the normal current flow through circuit C of the current flow needed available only for a portion of the time, or it may become accidentally disabled, or it may be desirable to temporarily disconnect the iain source, and in order to keep the circuit C intact and operative during such condi-- tions, a resistance r bridged across the conductors a and I) at a point between the local circuit C and the source so that the circuit C will be kept closed independently of the main source. \Vith this arrangement, if the main sourceaccidentally becomesdiseonnected or is purposely disconnected, the local storage batteries assume full control of the circuit C. If the circuit, during such conditions, is opened and closed at any of the devices i the local electro'magnetic devices will alternately cause closing and opening of their alarm device circuits so that the storage batteries will alternately maintain attracted condition of the electro-magnetic de vices, and will supply energy for the local alarm circuits when the electro-magnetic devices retract during opening of the'eircuit.

The resistance r should be such that upon disconnection of the main source substantially the same current flow will be main-. tained in the circuit- C as when the main source was connected therewith. This resistance may be adjustable so that compensation can be made when additional local alarm devices are included. In case the volt-' ageof the main source is such as would cause excessive curr'ent flow in'circuit C if' connected directly'therewith, a resistance r can be associated with the-main source circuit to preventsuch excessive flow. This resistance r may be adjustable so that compensation can be made as additional local devices are included in the circuit C.

An indicating mechanism m can be provi ded for indicating or giving warning when the main source is disconnected. This mechanism may be in the form of a bell or other device, and is preferably so connected that when the armature f is retracted such device will be operated by current from local storage battery This storage battery is preferably so connected with the main source S, that it will be charged during the time the main source is in operative connection with the system.

At some central location, general alarm mechanism G and register mechanism it may be installed and in cluded serially in circuit C to sound the general alarm and to make a alarm station.

' station the armature would fall back and would then rapidly vibrate against its contact It. I therefore include in the circuit C some device responsive to such vibrations and-as shown the primary winding of'an in- :duction coil I is included serially in the circult and a receiver 8 is included in circuit with the secondary winding, the receiver responding to the rapid vibrations to thus give audible indication of the defect in circuit C.

I thus provide a signaling or alarm system of simple and efiicient arrangement, in

fu'hich local batteries are provided for supv lo cal batteries will supply plying a comparatively large current fiow for actuating electro-magnetic alarm devices singly,'cr in groups when needed, and said local batteries are so connected in the main signaling circuit that they are constantly under test, without thereby tending to discharge or to become exhaust-ed. Such local batteries may be of the storage type-so that the passage of the normal signaling line current may keep them fully charged, and in the event of failure or disconnection of the source of main signaling line current, these current for the main signaling circuit and will maintain the signaling service both in the main signaling circuit and in't'he local circuit-s.

I do not, of course, desire to be limited to the I precise arrangement shown and described as changes and modifications are possible which will still come within the scope of the invention and I, therefore claim the following': v

1. In a signaling system, the combination of-a main circuit extending through a numher of stations, a source of current at each station, a local circuit at each'station, an

electro-magnet at each station for controlling the local circuit thereat, said sources of cur rent and theelectro-magnet windings being included in series with each other in said main circuit, said sources acting together when said main circuit is closed to' supply energizing current to maintain energization of said -electro-magnets, and said sources acting in:

dividually to supply current for the associated local circuits when said main circuit is open.

2. In a signaling system, the combination of a main circuit extending to a plurality of stations, a storage battery at each station, a local signaling circuit at. each station, an electro-magnet at each station for controlthe local circuit thereat, isaid storage batteries acting together when said main circuit is closed to supply current flow therefor and for the electro-magnets, and acting independently to supply current for the associated local circuits when "the main circuit is opelnand a charging current source connected to supply charging current for said closed and, disconnected from said batteries when sald main circuit 15 open.

3. In a signaling system, the combination stations, a storage battery at each station, a local signaling circuit at each station, an electro-magnet at each stationifor controlling the local circuit thereat, said storage batteries acting together when said main cirfor and for the electro-magnets, and acting independently to supply current for the associated local circuits when the main circuit is open, and a' main current source connected with said main circuit upon closure thereof to send current through said main circuit to charge said storage-batteriesandto energize said electro-niagnets 'to hold the local circuits in normal condition, opening of said main circuit causing cessation of charging .current flow through thebatteries and control of the local circuits by said batteries.

4. In a signaling system, a closed signaling circuit having a plurality of local stations,'an electric-magnet at each station having its Winding included serially in said signaling circuit, a storage battery at each station included serially in saidsignalin'g cir- -cuit, a local circuit at each station including the battery thereat and controlled by the station electroanagnet, means for, opening said main circuit, and a main source of current adapted for connection-With said signaling circuit to supply current thereto for charging said batteries.

Y In asigna-ling system the combination of a normally closed main circuit having a number of stations, a source of current at each station, the various sources being connected cumulatively in said circuit, an electro-magnet ateach station having a winding included serially in said main circuit and having an station bridged about the source thereat and controlled by the station armature a signaling device in each local circuit, and means at various points for opening said main circuit, said sources normally Suppl ing current flow for said main circuit tp maintain energization of the various elccy tro-magnets to thereby keep the various ar main circuit is opened to supply local current for the local circuits when said clrcuits are closed upon retraction of their controlling armatures.

- local circuit at each station bridging the batof a main circuit extending to a plurality of storage batteries when the main circuit is cuit is closed to supply current flow there-.

armature, a local circuit at each matures attracted and the local circuits open,\ 'and s'aid sources acting locally when the I tery thereat and controlled by the station electro-inagnet, means for opening said main circuit, and a main source of current adapted for connection with said signaling circuit to supply current I said batteries.

7. In a signaling system a normally closed signaling circuit, a plurality of storage batteries serially included in said circuit, a local circuit in bridge relation with each storage battery, a plurality of electronnagnets having their windings serially included in said signaling circuit and each controlling one of current flow said local circuits, and a main source of current adapted for connection with said signaling circuit to charge the storage batteries therein when said signaliiig'circuit is closed, said storage batteries acting cumulatively to supply a current flow for said signaling circuit when said main source is disconnected therefrom and said batteries acting locally .to supply current for the local circuits when" said signaling circuit is opened.

8. In a signaling system the combination of a normally closed signaling circuit having a number of local stations, :1 storage batte'ry at each station of comparatively large. cui'rentcapacity, an electro-magnet at each station having a winding included serially in said signaling circuit, and having an armature, alocal circuit at each station in bridge relation with the station storage battery and:

the combined electro-motive 'forces of said storage batteries whereby said storage batteries will be charged when the signaling circuit is closed, said storage batteries acting cumulativelyto supply current flow for the signaling circuit when said circuit is closed and the .main" source disconnected therefrom, and said storage batteries acting individually to supply comparatively large current. flow to the local circuits when said signaling circuit is opened.

9. In a signaling -systein'the combination of a normally closedsigiialing circuit, a storage battery in said circuit having comparatively largecurrent capacity,

an electro-magnet having its windiii-gj serially included 111 said circuit ,and'having' an armature, a local circuit bridged around said. storage battery and controlled by said armature, a resistance serially-included in said signaling circuit, a

main source of current adapted to be bridged about said resistance, said main source being adapted'to send a coniparativelysmall a pressure sufliciently in excess of the storage battery pressure to cause charging of said storage battery when said signaling thereto for charging.

through the signaling circuit at" .nosgosa circuit is closed,and means for opening said signaling circuit to allow said storagebattery to supply current to said local circuit. i 10. In a signaling system the combination of a normally closed signaling circuit, a plurality of individual storage batteries serially and cumulatively included in said signaling circuit, an electro-magnet associated-with each storage battery and having its winding included in said signaling circuit, an armature for each electro-magnet, a local circuit bridged about each storage battery and con trolled by the armature-of theassociated electro-inagnet, a resistanceserially included in said signaling circuit, a main source-of current adapted to be connected with-said signaling circuit in bridge-ofI-said resistance, an electro-magiiet device controlled by cur- 'rent flow from said mainosource to in turn control the connection of said source with the signaling circuit, the voltage' of said main source being suflicient to overcome the combinedelectro-motive forces ,of said stor' age batteries whereby said batteries will be charged When said signaling circuitis closed and the main source isinQCOnnectio-n therewith,;and means for opening said signaling circuit, opening of said signaling circuit causing deenergization of said electro mag nets to close the local circuits whereby said storage batteries may act-"individually to.

supply current to theirqlocal circuits, said storage batteries acting cumulatively to sup ply current flow to'tl e signaling circuit and electro magnets W1 3 said main source cur rent is disconnecteo from the signaling circuit; v

11. In a signaling system: the'comb ination of. anormally closedzsignal ing circuit, a source of current in saidfci fQl it, an1ele9tromagnet having its Wi ndingnncluded ,jsaid circuit and having an 'arma'turaa local cin cuit bridged'abo-iit saidsoiirce and controlled by said armature,- means vfor. ope 'iing 'said. signaling circuit tocause .deenergizatio i of saidelectro-magnet and closure. of the local circuit through said source, and eans included in said signalingpirouit ing an opening in'said; 1r in "be points of connection tl rewithfl o sa dflocal circuit.

12. In a signaling system, the comb nation of a signaling circuit, a current supply source adapted when operating toclose said signal circuitand to SlIPPlyHCUIfI'eliM flOW thereior, a closure-for said-signaling circuit independent of said current .sourceigflocal current sources arrangedserially n said signaling circuit inefiective .when saiil' urrent supplysource is operating andbecon ing ef- :fefctive to supply current flow for said circuit when said current supply source is not operating, and signaling mechanism connect ed with said signaling circuit. g

13. In a signaling system, the combination f0 indicati of a signaling circuit, signaling mechanism connected with said signaling circuit, current sources arranged serially in said signaling circuit, a main, current source, switch mechanism for connecting saidmain current source with said circuit, thecurrent flow from said main source being'in opposition to the current flow from said signaling circuit sources whereby said main curren't source controls said signaling mechanism when-the main source is'connected with said circuit, and a closure for said signaling circuit indesource. I

- 14. In a signaling system, the combination of a signaling circuit, a plurality of storage batteries arranged serially in said signaling circuit, signaling mechanism connected with said signaling circuit, a n aincurrent source adapted for connection with said circuit to send current therethrough in oppositionto said storage batteries whereby said storage batteries are charged and the signaling mechanism controlled bymain current flow, and means for closing said circuit independently of said main source-whereby said storage batter-ies may supply current flow for said circuit upon disconnection of said main source.

15. In a signaling system, the combination a of a signaling circuit, signaling mechanism l u o l o i tion of a signaling circuit, signaling mechaand a plurality of storage batteries arranged serially insaid signaling circuit, a main current sou-rceadapted when operating to close said signaling circu t and to send current flow threthrough in opposition and age batteries, and a shunt vpath: about said main source for closingsaid circuit independent thereof whereby saidstorage batcuit when said main source is notopefating.

16. In signaling system, the combinanisin anda local source of'currentfor said circuit, a main source of currentadapted for connection with sa d 'si-gnal1ngcircuit, a

local current path 'for said main source conh nected in shunt thereof, electro-magnetic switch mechanism controlled by current flow v through said local pathto connect said main sufiicient to overcome-the current flow of said' source with the signaling circuit as soon as the current flow from said source will be I local source and to properly control the sig- 1 vnaling mechanism of said signaling circuit,

and acircuit path for closing said signaling circuit independently of said main source whereby said local sourcemay supply-cur-- rent flow for said signaling circuit'when said main-soui'ce"is not operat ng.

17. In a signaling'system, a closed signal ing circuit having a plurality of locallst'ain excess of the current flow from said storv -main source is not operating.

tions, an electro-inagnet at each station having its winding included serially in said signaling circuit, a storage battery at each station'included serially in said signaling circuit, a local circuit at each station bridging the battery thereat and controlled by the station electro-magnet, means for opening said signaling circuit, a main source of current adapted for connectionwith said signaling circuit to supply current thereto for charg ing said batteries and means for indicating the failure of said main source.

18. In a signaling system, a'signaling cir cuit, a main source of current supply adapt ed to close said signal circuit to supply current flow therefor, a closure for said signaling circuit independent of saidmain source, a plurality of local current'sources arranged serially in said signaling circuit inefi'ective when said main source is operating and becoming effective to supply current flow for said circuit when said main source is not operating, means for indicating when said main source is not operating, and signaling mechanism connected with said signaling circuit. l v

19. In a signaling system, a signaling cir-' cuit, signaling'mechanisin and a plurality of storage batteries arranged serially in said signaling circuit, a main current source 5 adapted to close said signaling circuit to send current flow thereth'ro'ugh in opposition to the current flow from said storage batteries, a shunt path about said I main source for closing said circuit independent of said main source whereby said storage batteries may supply current flow forsaidcircuit when said main source is not operating, and means for indicating when said source and adapted to be charged thereby,

an alarm mechanism in a normally open shunt to the secondary source and an electro-magnet in the main circuit for control-- ling said shunt circuit. I

21. In a signaling system, the combination -of a main circuit, a main or primary source of current connected therewith, a secondary "source of current in series with the main sourceland adapted to be charged thereby,

an alarm mechanism in a shunt to the secondary source, a circuit controller in said shunt and an electromagnet in the main circuit for operating said circuit controller and interrupting said shunt circuit while energized. i 22. .In a signaling system, the combina-v tion-of a main circuit, a source of current connected therewith,"stora'gebatteries at dif-' ferentypoints in. the main circuit, in series.

with the main source of current and adapft- 1:30

ed to be charged thereby,'local alarm mechthe main circuit and adapted to control the shunt circuit. and means at various points for interruptingsaid main circuit.

24:. In a signaling system, the combination of anormally closed signaling circuit, a storage batteryin said circuit, an electromagnet connected in said circuit, a local alarm circuit in shunt to said storage battery ands-controlled by said electromagnet, a resistance included serially in the signaling circuit,--a main source of current connected to the signaling circuit and in parallel with said resistance, and means for controlling the connection of the source of current with the signaling circuit.

25. In a signaling system, the combinationof a normally closed main or signaling circuit having a plurality of local stations, an electromagnet at each vstation included in the signaling circuit, a storage battery at each station included in the signaling circuit, a local circuit at each station shunting the storage battery at said station and controlled by the station electromagnet, means for interrupting the main circuit for 'purposes of signaling, a resistance included serially i-n the main circuit, a main source of current connected to the signaling circuit and in parallel with the resistance, and means for controlling the connection of said source of current with the main circuit.

' 26. In a signaling system, the combination of 'a normally closed main or signaling circuit having a plurality of local alarm stations, an electromagnet at each alarm station included in the signaling circuit, a storage battery at each station included in the signaling circuit a local circuit at each sta tion shunting the storage battery thereat. and controlled by the station electromagnet, means for interrupting the main circuit for purposes of signaling, a main source of current connected to the signaling circuit, an electromagnet in shunt to said source and a circuit controller operated by said magnet for controllin the connection of the source of current wit the signaling circuit.

27. In a signaling system comprising a normally closed niain circuit, amain source of current, a secondary source of current in series therewith, a local alarm station and means for interrupting the circuit for pur poses of signaling, the combination with the main circuit of a resistance connected serially therein and bridging the connections of the main source of current therewith, an electromagnet in shunt to the main source, a circuit controller operated thereby and adapted to make and break the connections of saidmainsource with the main circuit.

28. I11 a signaling system comprising a normally closed main circuit, a main source of current, a secondary source of current in series therewith, a local alarm station and means for interrupting the circuit for pur-z poses of signaling, the combination with the main circuit of a resistance connected serially thereto and bridging the connections of the main source of current therewith, an electromagnet in shunt to the main source, a storage battery in one of the connections between the source and the main circuit and a switch in series with said storage battery operated by said shunt magnet and adapted to control the connection of the source of current with the main circuit.

' 29. In a signaling system comprising a normally closed main circuit, a main source of current, a secondary source of current in series therewith, a local alarm station and means for interrupting the circuit for pur' poses of signaling, the combination with the main circuit of a resistance connected serially therein and bridging the connections of the main sourceof current therewith, an

electromagnet in shunt to the main source, a storage battery in one of the connections between the source and the main circuit, a variable resistance and a switch in series with said storage battery, the Fttld switch being operated by the said shunt magnet main source of current with the signaling circuit. M I a 30. In a signaling system comprising'a normally closed main circuit, a main source of current, a secondary source oi current in series therewith, -a local alarm station and means for iinzerrupting the circuit for purposes of signaling, the combination with and adapted to control the connection of the the, main circuit of a resistance connected serially therein and bridging the connections of the main source of current therewith, an electromagnet 1n shunt to the main source, a storagebatteryin one of the con nections between the source and the main clrcuit, a switch. in series with sa d storage battery operated by d electromagnet and adapted tocontrol the connection of the main source with'thc signaling circuit, and a local alarm circuit controlled by said switch. I p l i 31. In a signaling system the combination with a normally closed signaling circuit, a

iso

series with the main source, alarm mechanlsm in a shunt to the secondary source, a

and responsive to vibrations of the circuit 10 controller. t

In itness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, this 5th day of April A. 1)., 1912.

CLARENCE E. BEACH.

:nmin or primziry source of current connected therew 1th a secondar source of current 1n vibrating circuit controller in said'shunt, an electromagnet in circuit with the main and secondary sourcesof current for operating said circuit controller, and a telephonic device operated by the main circuit Witnesses:

HENRY W. STRONG,- CHARLES J. SCHMIDT.

Copies of this patent mas be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. 0. 

